New project aimed at curbing illegal migration

Migrants who have entered the country illegally might in future be allowed to stay if they cooperate with the authorities and disclose the name of their smuggler. That is the main idea behind an interior ministry project aimed at reducing illegal migration. Ever since borders opened in 1989 the Czech Republic has become a transit state for illegal migrants from the east seeking a better life in Western Europe. The Czech authorities have been under growing pressure from Austria and Germany to take more effective measures against people smuggling.